Ronnie D. Horner

Health Outcomes Associated with Military Deployment: Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Blast, Trauma, and Combat Associations in the Florida National Guard

OBJECTIVES To determine the association between specific military deployment experiences and immediate and longer-term physical and mental health effects, as well as examine the effects of multiple deployment-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) on health outcomes. DESIGN Online survey of cross-sectional cohort. Odds ratios were calculated to assess the association between deployment-related factors (ie, physical injuries, exposure to potentially traumatic deployment experiences, combat, blast exposure, and mild TBI) and current health status, controlling for potential confounders, demographics, and predeployment experiences. SETTING Nonclinical. PARTICIPANTS Members (N=3098) of the Florida National Guard (1443 deployed, 1655 not deployed). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of current psychiatric diagnoses and health outcomes, including postconcussive and non-postconcussive symptoms. RESULTS Surveys were completed an average of 31.8 months (SD=24.4, range=0-95) after deployment. Strong, statistically significant associations were found between self-reported military deployment-related factors and current adverse health status. Deployment-related mild TBI was associated with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postconcussive symptoms collectively and individually. Statistically significant increases in the frequency of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and a postconcussive symptom complex were seen comparing single to multiple TBIs. However, a predeployment TBI did not increase the likelihood of sustaining another TBI in a blast exposure. Associations between blast exposure and abdominal pain, pain on deep breathing, shortness of breath, hearing loss, and tinnitus suggested residual barotrauma. Combat exposures with and without physical injury were each associated not only with PTSD but also with numerous postconcussive and non-postconcussive symptoms. The experience of seeing others wounded or killed or experiencing the death of a buddy or leader was associated with indigestion and headaches but not with depression, anxiety, or PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Complex relationships exist between multiple deployment-related factors and numerous overlapping and co-occurring current adverse physical and psychological health outcomes. Various deployment-related experiences increased the risk for postdeployment adverse mental and physical health outcomes, individually and in combination. These findings suggest that an integrated physical and mental health care approach would be beneficial to postdeployment care.

VA Stroke Study Neurologist care is associated with increased testing but improved outcomes

Objective: VA Stroke Study (VASt) data were analyzed to determine whether neurologist management affected the process and outcome of care of patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: VASt prospectively identified patients with stroke admitted to nine VA hospitals (April 1995 to March 1997). Demographics, stroke severity (Canadian Neurologic Score), stroke subtype (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] classification), tests/procedures, and discharge status (independent, Rankin ≤ 2, vs dead or dependent, Rankin 3 through 5) were compared between patients who were or were not cared for by a neurologist. Results: Of 1,073 enrolled patients, 775 (neurologist care, n = 614; non-neurologist, n = 161) with ischemic stroke were admitted from home. Stroke severity (Canadian Neurologic Score 8.7 ± 0.1 vs 8.4 ± 0.2; p = 0.44), TOAST subtype (p = 0.55), and patient age (71.4 ± 0.4 vs 72.4 ± 0.7; p = 0.23) were similar for neurologists and non-neurologists. Neurologists more frequently obtained MRI (44% vs 16%; p < 0.001), transesophageal echocardiograms (12% vs 2%; p < 0.001), carotid ultrasounds (65% vs 57%; p = 0.05), cerebral angiography (8% vs 1%; p = 0.001), speech (35% vs 18%; p < 0.001), and occupational therapy (46% vs 33%; p = 0.005) evaluations. Brain CT, transthoracic echocardiogram, 24-hour ambulatory ECG use, and hospitalization durations (18.2 ± 0.8 vs 19.7 ± 4.1 days; p = 0.725) were similar. Neurologists’ patients were less likely to be dead (5.6% vs 13.5%; OR = 0.38; 95% CI 0.22, 0.68; p = 0.001) and less likely to be dead or dependent (46.1% vs 57.1%; OR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.45, 0.92; p = 0.019) at the time of discharge. The benefit remained after controlling for stroke severity and comorbidity (OR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.42, 0.94; p = 0.025). Conclusion: Neurologist care was associated with more extensive testing, but similar lengths of hospitalization and improved outcomes.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis among 1991 Gulf War Veterans: Evidence for a Time-Limited Outbreak

Background: In follow-up to recent reports of an elevated risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) among 1991 Gulf War veterans, we analyzed the distribution of disease onset times to determine whether the excess risk was time limited. Methods: This secondary analysis used data from a population-based series of ALS cases identified between 1991 and 2001 among the 2.5 million military personnel who were on active duty during the 1991 Gulf War. Annual standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for all cases and for those with disease onset before age 45 years. Results: Forty-eight of 124 cases occurred among those deployed to the Persian Gulf region during the war. The annual SIR for deployed military personnel did not demonstrate a monotonically increasing trend for either all cases (χ2 = 0.11, d.f. = 1, p = 0.74) or for cases under 45 years of age at onset (χ2 = 2.41, d.f. = 1, p = 0.12). The highest risk was observed in 1996, declining thereafter. Among military personnel who were not deployed to the Gulf region, the level of risk remained fairly constant during the 11-year period. Conclusions: The excess risk of ALS among 1991 Gulf War veterans was limited to the decade following the war.

Racial variations in ischemic stroke-related physical and functional impairments.

Background and Purpose We sought to determine whether there are racial differences in physical and functional impairments resulting from an initial ischemic stroke. Methods We conducted a prospective, county-wide, multisite cohort study including a university hospital, a community hospital, and a Veterans Affairs hospital. The study population was an inception cohort of 145 patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke. Physical and functional impairments were measured using a modified form of the Fugl-Meyer test and the Barthel Index, respectively. Nurses trained to use these tests made assessments at admission and 5, 30, 90, and 180 days after admission. Patient and disease-specific data along with treatment data and vital status were collected. Results Forty-one patients (28%) were black. Compared with whites, black stroke patients were more likely to be widowed (51% versus 26%) and hypertensive (83% versus 63%) but less likely to be male (42% versus 69%) and alert on admission (66% versus 76%). There were no racial differences in mortality. Physical impairment was significantly more severe in black than in white patients at admission, and although physical impairment improved, it remained significantly worse in blacks. Functional impairment was also greater in black patients initially but was similar to that in white patients 90 days after the event. Multivariable analyses confirmed these findings. Conclusions These results indicate that blacks may have greater residual physical deficits from stroke than whites.

Racial/ethnic disparities in the treatment of epilepsy: What do we know? What do we need to know?

We examine current understanding of the minority disadvantage in the clinical management of epilepsy. We performed an online literature search using several keywords (race, ethnicity, epilepsy, treatment, and quality of life) and identified additional literature through cross-referencing/manual search. The search produced 58 items published between 1977 and 2005. Of 49 original research studies, 38 were quantitative, 7 were qualitative, and 4 used mixed methods. Three or more articles were published in Epilepsia, Epilepsy &Behavior, Epilepsy Research, Neurology, and Seizure. Research concerning racial/ethnic differences in epilepsy treatment is scarce and limited by methodology, but suggests underutilization of state-of-the-art therapies by minorities. Racial/ethnic minorities also appear to have limited knowledge about epilepsy and its treatment, experience barriers to care, lack social support, and seek alternative therapies for epilepsy. We propose a framework to identify the array of disparities, points of intervention, and interventions.

Spatial analysis of the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis among 1991 Gulf War veterans

BACKGROUND Veterans of the 1991 Gulf War have an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but the etiology is unknown. OBJECTIVES This study sought to identify geographic areas with elevated risk for the later development of ALS among military personnel who served in the first Gulf War. METHODS A unified geographic information system (GIS) was constructed to allow analysis of secondary data on troop movements in the 1991 Gulf War theatre in the Persian Gulf region including Iraq, northern Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. We fit Bayesian Poisson regression models to adjust for potential risk factors, including one relatively discrete environmental exposure, and to identify areas associated with elevated risk of ALS. RESULTS We found that service in particular locations of the Gulf was associated with an elevated risk for later developing ALS, both before and after adjustment for branch of service and potential of exposure to chemical warfare agents in and around Khamisiyah, Iraq. CONCLUSIONS Specific geographic locations of troop units within the 1991 Gulf War theatre are associated with an increased risk for the subsequent development of ALS among members of those units. The identified spatial locations represent the logical starting points in the search for potential etiologic factors of ALS among Gulf War veterans. Of note, for locations where the relative odds of subsequently developing ALS are among the highest, specific risk factors, whether environmental or occupationally related, have not been identified. The results of spatial models can be used to subsequently look for risk factors that follow the spatial pattern of elevated risk.

Contracting, prompting, and reinforcing substance use disorder continuing care: a randomized clinical trial.

Although continuing care is strongly related to positive treatment outcomes for substance use disorder (SUD), participation rates are low and few effective interventions are available. In a randomized clinical trial with 150 participants (97% men), 75 graduates of a residential Veterans Affairs Medical Center SUD program who received an aftercare contract, attendance prompts, and reinforcers (CPR) were compared to 75 graduates who received standard treatment (STX). Among CPR participants, 55% completed at least 3 months of aftercare, compared to 36% in STX. Similarly, CPR participants remained in treatment longer than those in STX (5.5 vs. 4.4 months). Additionally, CPR participants were more likely to be abstinent compared to STX (57% vs. 37%) after 1 year. The CPR intervention offers a practical means to improve adherence among individuals in SUD treatment.

The influence of history on interobserver agreement for diagnosing actinic keratoses and malignant skin lesions

BACKGROUND Quantifying interobserver diagnostic agreement is necessary to evaluate skin cancer screening programs, but estimates of variability are incomplete. OBJECTIVE We sought to measure agreement between dermatologists for diagnosing actinic keratoses (AKs) and malignant skin lesions and to determine the way in which blinding examiners to patient history affects agreement. METHODS We varied the amount of historical information available to examiners in two consecutive patient series (n = 50) presenting to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center dermatology clinic. Two dermatologists examined each patient independently. RESULTS Assessing historical features increased the kappa statistic for malignancy recognition from -0.04 to 0.76. kappa Statistics for diagnosing single AKs were 0.17 and 0.15, respectively, and 0.62 and 0.55 for multiple AKs. CONCLUSION Agreement was high for diagnosing malignant skin lesions when history was included in the evaluation. Agreement for multiple AKs was higher than for single AKs, although neither was influenced by inclusion of historical features.

Depression and Other Determinants of Values Placed on Current Health State by Stroke Patients Evidence From the VA Acute Stroke (VASt) Study

Background and Purpose This prospective study examined the determinants of the utility (value) placed on health status among a sample of patients with acute ischemic and intracerebral hemorrhagic stroke. Methods Data were from the VA Acute Stroke (VASt) study, a nationwide prospective cohort of 1073 acute stroke patients admitted at any of 9 Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center sites between April 1, 1995, and March 31, 1997. The primary outcome was the patient’s health status utility as measured by the time-tradeoff method. Data were obtained by telephone interviews at 1, 6, and 12 months and by medical record review. General linear mixed modeling was used to assess the effects of social, psychological, and physical factors on patients’ valuations of their current health state. The analysis was confined to the 327 patients who were able to provide self-reports at ≥2 time points. Results Patients’ valuations of their health state status over the initial 12 months after stroke were very stable over time, with only a slight improvement at 6 months, followed by a slight decline at 12 months. In adjusted analyses, living alone, being institutionalized, decreased physical function, and depression were independently associated with lower levels of patient health status utility over time. Conclusions Stroke patient health status utilities are relatively stable during the initial year after stroke. In addition to physical function, psychological health and social environment are important determinants of patient health status utility. These factors need to be considered when conducting stroke decision analyses if more accurate conclusions are to be drawn regarding preferred patterns of care.

Veterans Administration Acute Stroke (VASt) Study: Lack of Race/Ethnic-Based Differences in Utilization of Stroke-Related Procedures or Services * Diagnostic Disparities: Still Exist?

Background and Purpose— Race/ethnic-based disparities in the utilization of health-related services have been reported. Data collected as part of the Veterans Administration Acute Stroke Study (VASt) were analyzed to determine whether similar differences were present in patients admitted to Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals with acute ischemic stroke. Methods— VASt prospectively identified stroke patients admitted to 9 geographically separated VA hospitals between April 1995 and March 1997. Demographic characteristics and all inpatient diagnostic tests/procedures were recorded. Frequencies were compared with &khgr;2 tests. Results— Of 1073 enrolled patients, 775 (white, n=520; nonwhite, n=255, including 226 blacks and 28 Hispanic-Americans) with ischemic stroke were admitted from home. Mean ages (71.0±0.6 versus 71.9±0.4 years;P =0.25) and Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) stroke types (atherothrombotic, 12.9% versus 13.3%; cardioembolic, 16.5% versus 18.0%; lacunar, 26.4% versus 27.1%; other, 1.4% versus 2.0%; unclassified, 42.9% versus 39.6%;P =0.89) for whites versus nonwhites were similar. There were no race/ethnic-based differences in the utilization of brain CT (91.0% versus 92.2%;P =0.58), MRI (36.2% versus 41.6%;P =0.14), transthoracic (52.5% versus 53.7%;P =0.75) or transesophageal echocardiography (10.2% versus 10.6%;P =0.86), 24-hour ECG (3.3% versus 1.6%;P =0.17), carotid ultrasound (64.0% versus 62.0%;P =0.57), carotid endarterectomy (1.5% versus 0.8%;P =0.38), rehabilitation evaluations (71.0% versus 76.5%;P =0.11), speech therapy (9.6% versus 12.6%;P =0.21), recreational therapy (3.1% versus 2.0%;P =0.37), or occupational therapy (16.0% versus 19.6%;P =0.20) for whites versus nonwhites, respectively. Angiography was performed less frequently (3.1% versus 8.5%;P =0.01) and ECG more frequently (81.6% versus 73.5%;P =0.01) in nonwhites. The proportions of patients discharged functionally independent were also similar (52% of whites and 50% of nonwhites had discharge Rankin Scale scores of 0, 1, or 2;P =0.63). Conclusions— Aside from cerebral angiography and ECG, there were no race/ethnic-based disparities in the utilization of a variety of stroke-related procedures and services. The difference in the use of angiography is unlikely to be related to a difference in screening for carotid endarterectomy because there was no difference in the frequency of carotid ultrasonography. The reason ECG was obtained more frequently in nonwhites is uncertain.